Prevalence of bacterial vaginosis among antenatal attendees with abnormal vaginal discharge in a secondary health facility in Delta State, Nigeria

Abstract

Introduction: Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is the most common lower genital tract syndrome among women of reproductive age with significant adverse outcome in pregnancy. Routine screening of antenatal patients for BV is not recommended, however, it is important to determine its prevalence especially in pregnant women who complain of abnormal vaginal discharge. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 340 antenatal attendees who complained of an abnormal vaginal discharge. The high vaginal swab was collected from each woman and subjected to wet film and Gram reaction. The diagnosis of BV was made using the Amsel's clinical criteria. Data were analyzed using the EPI-INFO statistical package and the results were presented as percentages and proportions. Results: BV was detected in 105 pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge, therefore, giving a prevalence rate of 30.4%. Positive correlates of BV included multiple sexual partners (P = 0.0001) and cigarette smoking (P = 0.008). Conclusion: BV is a prevalent disorder in pregnant women with abnormal vaginal discharge.